RuthJordan

Jordan, Ruth 97 11/07/1913 11/28/2010 Ruth Jordan went home to be with the Lord Nov. 28, 2010. She was 97 and died peacefully in her sleep. Ruth was born Nov. 7, 1913, in Portland in a home delivery assisted by her father. She was the daughter of Dr. Luther T. and Beatrice Nelson. Ruth attended grade school and high school in Portland, graduating from Grant High School in 1931. She then went on to Occidental College in Pasadena, Calif., majoring in music and receiving her bachelor's degree in 1935. After teaching music for a short time in Los Angeles, Ruth returned to Portland. In 1938 she married Dr. Lewis Jordan, a young doctor whom she had met at Rose City Park Presbyterian Church where both the Jordan and Nelson families worshiped. Ruth and Lewis' first home was in Eastmoreland, after which they moved to Raleigh Hills and finally to the Highlands in King City. Ruth and Lewis were happily married for over 55 years until Lewis' death in 1993. Ruth was a wonderful wife and mother. Her husband and her boys were her life. Ruth also had a love for music and was an exceptional pianist and organist. Over the years she was involved with many musical organizations including the American Guild of Organists and Derthick. One of Ruth's most notable musical accomplishments was successfully organizing and then directing for 10 years the hand bell choir at Valley Community Presbyterian Church. In addition, Ruth was a member of PEO for over 65 years, a Bible study leader, and a volunteer in many Portland area charities and organizations. After Lewis passed away, she became a deaconess at Calvin Presbyterian Church and a volunteer at Meridian Park Hospital. Ruth is survived by her sons, Dr. Bob Jordan of Bountiful, Utah, and Rus Jordan and his wife, Cheri, of Tigard. A memorial service celebrating Ruth's life will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 16, 2011, in Calvin Presbyterian Church, 10445 S.W. Canterbury Lane, Tigard. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Medical Teams International or the Portland Rescue Mission.